Two superstars in the Milwaukee Bucks team are performing phenomenally. The Bucks also hired new behind-the-scenes technicians, specifically a new coaching staff, but their record still stands at 1-5, a bad start to the season. They’ll be facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday in a rematch. And the Cavs is the only team left which is still undefeated. Their previous match on Saturday was a nail-biter.

The Bucks appeared ready to secure their second victory of the season, thanks to Damian Lillard‘s impressive 41-point outing. He put his team ahead 113-112 by sinking a jumper with just 10 seconds remaining on the clock. But it was Donovan Mitchell who sunk the last bucket to claim the victory for the Cavs. Giannis Antetokounmpo was excellent as well, finishing with 34 points and 16 rebounds. But with the latest injury report by the Bucks, their star power presence could be reduced to one.

Michael Scotto, a senior NBA Insider, tweeted “Giannis Antetokounmpo has a right adductor strain and is questionable for tomorrow’s game for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Cleveland Cavaliers.” Without Giannis, the Bucks will be in even more trouble. Because a lot of things may be wrong with the Bucks, but Giannis isn’t one of them. The news was confirmed later in the day with Underdog NBA posting on X, “Giannis Antetokounmpo (adductor) ruled out Monday.”

He has been absolutely brilliant in the 2024-25 campaign, the 29-year-old is putting up impressive numbers, averaging 31.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across six games. He also has mind boggling shooting percentage of 63.3 from the field.

Bucks’ injury report

Khris Middleton, a former three-time All-Star small forward, is not what he once was. He has been struggling to find his form for the past two seasons with the Bucks. This summer, he underwent two offseason surgeries which could cure the root cause of his injuries, but for the moment, he remains sidelined and will not be gracing the court. Joining him on the bench will be MarJon Beauchamp. Eric Nehm of The Athletic reported that the Bucks are sure that Beauchamp will not be playing as he suffers from a non-covid illness.

Nehm also confirmed that Pat Connaughton is probable for Monday’s matchup against the Cavaliers because of a strain in his left adductor. On Saturday, Connaughton could not even down a single bucket, but it seems he’ll get another chance to score against the Cavs. Over his initial five games this season, Connaughton has averaged 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 17.2 minutes per game. The team lists Antetokounmpo as probable while he deals with his right adductor strain.

Bucks’ depth chart

With the Bucks looking to secure their second win of the season they sure need Antetokounmpo without him, it’s going to be a herculean task for the Bucks. Whereas the Cavs will be looking to do anything from having a blemish on their spotless record so far. Will the Bucks beat the Cavs? Will Lillard be able to hold the fort alone? A lot of questions will be answered with this match.